Sudbourne Primary School, located in Brixton, London, was inspected on 26 and 27 September 2023. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, maintaining a positive trajectory since its last inspection, which was outstanding. The school has not undergone routine inspections for an extended period due to legal exemptions, resulting in a significant gap since the last graded inspection. The current evaluation reflects the school's performance under the latest inspection framework and considers any changes since the previous assessment.
Pupils at Sudbourne Primary School express enjoyment in attending this welcoming and supportive environment. The staff are described as kind and caring, fostering a sense of happiness and safety among students. The leadership team sets high expectations for pupil achievement, and students engage actively in their lessons. The school environment is calm and orderly, with effective behavior management strategies in place. The newly implemented behavior blueprint establishes clear routines that promote good conduct both in classrooms and throughout the school. Early years pupils in Nursery and Reception demonstrate positive social skills, learning to share and take turns.
Inclusion is a priority at Sudbourne, with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities fully integrated into all aspects of school life. The school encourages open communication, ensuring that pupils feel confident in raising any concerns, knowing that staff will address them promptly. The curriculum is broad and balanced, exceeding national expectations in some areas. It is designed to be rich in knowledge and vocabulary, with a focus on building sequential knowledge over time. For instance, in music, pupils explore various styles and composers, while in history, they study Ancient Greek civilization, enhancing their understanding of chronology and historical language.
Teachers effectively deliver the curriculum, regularly assessing pupil understanding to identify and address misconceptions. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with a structured early reading curriculum and ongoing staff training. This approach ensures that pupils develop strong phonics skills and a love for reading, with older students enjoying a diverse range of high-quality texts.
The school has recently revised its behavior policy, equipping staff with strategies to help pupils manage their emotions. This has resulted in a respectful atmosphere where pupils can focus on learning. Attendance is closely monitored, with effective systems in place to ensure punctuality and regular attendance.
Sudbourne Primary School promotes mutual respect and acceptance through its curriculum and special events, celebrating diversity within the school community. Pupils participate in various extracurricular activities, although some do not fully utilize the opportunities available to them. The leadership team has a clear vision for improvement, with strong support from the governing body and positive feedback from staff regarding recent developments.
The safeguarding arrangements at the school are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. However, the school recognizes the need to further embed curricular thinking in certain subjects to deepen pupils' subject-specific knowledge and understanding. To enhance educational outcomes, it is essential for the school to ensure that its curricular intent is consistently implemented across all subjects, allowing pupils to build a comprehensive understanding of the content. Overall, Sudbourne Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive community for its pupils.
